Balance the state budget: Four years ago, when Republicans came into the majority in the House, Iowa faced a $900 million budget shortfall. In each of the four years that we have managed the budget, the state has not spent any more than it collects in revenue.

Because of a willingness to make the tough decisions, our reserve funds are now full and we have retired $225 million in debt. We need to continue to make tough budget decisions and set priorities to protect and fund Iowans' core priorities in education and health care.

Tax relief: Last year, the Legislature passed the largest tax cut in Iowa history, a $560 million package of property tax reductions once fully implemented. This was a good first step toward delivering well-deserved tax relief to Iowans.

Looking ahead, I am very interested in working on meaningful income tax relief. Because of our responsible management of the state budget, we are now in a position to work on Iowans' income tax burden. Leaving more money in the pockets of hard-working Iowa taxpayers is the right thing to do.

Grow Iowa's economy: I am a sixth-generation Iowan, and the father of three children. The next generation of Iowans deserves the same opportunities to succeed that all of us have enjoyed.

We need to work on policies that get government out of the way, and free up business to grow. We should build on our recent new investments in Iowa's skilled workforce. We also must stay vigilant against efforts to repeal Iowa's right-to-work law.

Iowa is a great place to build a career and make a home. We must continue to work toward greater economic prosperity.